‘Mr. Scorsese’ Is a Joy to Watch (Unless You’re Martin Scorsese)

Director Rebecca Miller spoke to GQ about creating the ultimate portrait of the greatest living filmmaker. The Apple TV documentary miniseries, Scorsese, feels like a rare achievement. Miller brings together key collaborators from Martin Scorsese’s extensive career, including Robert De Niro, Daniel Day-Lewis (her husband), Leonardo DiCaprio, Robbie Robertson of The Band, longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and Margot Robbie. The only major absence is Joe Pesci, who declined to participate. Scorsese himself sat for 20 hours of interviews.

The series is candid, with Scorsese opening up about his drug problems in the 1980s, struggles with faith, early mob experiences, fluctuating relationships with his daughters, and his wife Helen Morris’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. It also offers a fascinating insider’s view of the making of iconic films like GoodFellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Raging Bull.

Such an honest and in-depth documentary is unique in today’s media.

Rebecca Miller on the Filmmaker

"I think to spend such a long time talking to this artist—it's like you are learning about his life, but you're also learning about film and all the films that influenced him. So there was almost like a going to graduate school quality about it."

During a recent Zoom interview with GQ, Miller shared how she managed to bring out the best from Scorsese and his circle of collaborators.

Key Collaborators Featured

Robert De Niro
Daniel Day-Lewis
Leonardo DiCaprio
Robbie Robertson (The Band)
Thelma Schoonmaker (editor)
Margot Robbie

Themes Explored in the Series

Scorsese’s personal struggles and triumphs
His challenges with addiction and faith
Family dynamics and his wife’s illness
Behind-the-scenes of his most famous films

Author’s summary: The Scorsese documentary offers an unprecedented, heartfelt look at the life and art of a cinematic legend through intimate interviews and exclusive testimonies.

GQ — 2025-11-05